Why Is Cremation Bad

In a world where cremation is becoming increasingly popular, it's worth taking time to consider potential negatives. This piece aims to shed light on concerns associated with cremation, from environmental impacts to cultural and religious considerations.

The Environmental Impact of Cremation

Although cremation is often seen as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burials, this might not be entirely accurate. According to a study by the Cremation Association of North America, cremation releases 573.6 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere per body. This contributes to the growing issues of global warming and air pollution.

Religious and Cultural Sensitivities to Cremation

While some religions and cultures fully accept cremation, others strongly oppose it. For instance, the Catholic Church only began permitting cremations in 1963 and still slightly frowns upon it. Moreover, religions like Islam and Judaism traditionally prefer burials and consider them a religious obligation.

The Loss of a Tangible Resting Place

A traditional grave provides a physical place for loved ones to visit, remember, and mourn. Cremation, on the other hand, can often lead to the loss of this tangible remembrance. While some families choose to keep the ashes in an urn, others scatter them. This could potentially lead to feelings of regret or longing for a specific place to visit.

Why Is Cremation Bad Example:

Consider the Jackson family, who decided to cremate their patriarch due to space constraints in their local cemetery. While it seemed like a practical solution, they later regretted the absence of a physical gravesite they could gather around in collective memory. This example illustrates how cultural rituals and family traditions are vital elements in the mourning process.

The decision of cremation or traditional burial is deeply personal and depends on various factors. While this article focused on why cremation could be considered detrimental, it's crucial to acknowledge the objective is not to deem cremation as an outright negative choice but to provide room for conversation and reflection on alternative funeral practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary concerns associated with cremation?

Primary concerns include environmental impact, such as carbon emissions and mercury release from dental amalgam, along with ethical and religious considerations, which may dictate burial as the only acceptable method. Emotional aspects also play a role, with some feeling that cremation may not honor the deceased as traditional burials do.

Is the cremation process considered environmentally friendly?

No, cremation is not typically considered environmentally friendly due to the significant amount of energy required to cremate a body and the greenhouse gases and other pollutants released during the process.

Does cremation contribute to air pollution?

Yes, cremation contributes to air pollution through the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, and potential toxins, including mercury from dental fillings, dioxins, and furans.

Can cremation be against certain religious beliefs?

Yes, cremation can contradict the beliefs of certain religions that prefer or mandate traditional burial over cremation, such as Orthodox Judaism, Islam, and some Christian denominations.

What is the impact of cremation on natural resources?

Cremation requires the use of fossil fuels to reach high temperatures required for the process, depleting natural resources and contributing to the carbon footprint.

Does cremation affect the grieving process?

Some individuals and families may find that cremation affects the grieving process, as it may provide a less tangible place or method to pay respects and can remove the tradition of visiting a gravesite.

Are there alternatives to conventional cremation that are more eco-friendly?

Yes, alternatives such as bio-cremation or alkaline hydrolysis and green burials are considered more eco-friendly options compared to conventional cremation.

How does the cost of cremation compare to traditional burial?

Generally, cremation can be more cost-effective compared to traditional burial due to the omission of expenses such as a casket, burial plot, and headstone. However, additional services and urns can add to the cost.

Are there psychological impacts of choosing cremation over burial?

Yes, there can be psychological impacts, as the decision can be influenced by feelings about death and the afterlife, societal norms, and family traditions. It may also affect how individuals process grief and loss.

Is the rate of cremation increasing, and if so, why?

Cremation rates have been increasing due to factors such as lower cost, greater flexibility in memorial services, changing religious practices, and space limitations for burial plots in urban areas.

Can cremation interfere with the investigation of unexplained deaths?

Yes, as cremation destroys all organic material, it can render further investigation into causes of death impossible and may complicate criminal investigations if foul play is later suspected.

How does cremation impact the funeral industry and traditional funerary practices?

The rise in cremation is transforming the funeral industry by reducing demand for certain services like embalming and caskets and leading to new service offerings such as memorial services without a body present.

What is the significance of a physical gravesite that is absent in cremation?

A physical gravesite serves as a dedicated space to mourn and remember the deceased, while also providing a historical and genealogical record, which may be absent or feel less significant with cremation.

What are the legal regulations surrounding cremation?

Legal regulations vary by region but generally include requirements for permits, authorization by next of kin, a waiting period after death, and regulations on the scattering or keeping of ashes.

How do cremation services address the emotional needs of the bereaved?

Cremation services often include counseling, options for memorial ceremonies, and guidance on how to honor and remember loved ones, catering to the emotional needs of the bereaved in the absence of traditional burial practices.

Is the energy consumed in cremation a significant environmental concern?

Yes, the nonrenewable energy consumed during cremation, often from natural gas, is a significant environmental concern as it contributes to the depletion of resources and the carbon footprint of the process.

What happens to medical implants during cremation?

Medical implants are either incinerated or recovered post-cremation and can pose an environmental risk if not disposed of properly. They also have the potential to be recycled in some circumstances.

Can one have a traditional funeral service with cremation?

Yes, many people opt for a traditional funeral service prior to cremation, providing an opportunity for friends and family to gather and pay their respects in a manner similar to traditional burial services.

How is the concept of 'resting in peace' perceived with cremation?

The concept of 'resting in peace' might be perceived differently with cremation as it lacks a permanent physical resting place, which to some may feel less solemn or respectful than burial in a dedicated plot.

Are there any health risks associated with cremation?

Health risks generally pertain to workers in the cremation industry, who may be exposed to dust and chemicals resulting from the process. Proper safety regulations and equipment are necessary to mitigate these risks.

How does the choice of cremation reflect changing cultural attitudes towards death?

The choice of cremation reflects cultural shifts towards more personalization in end-of-life ceremonies, the breaking of traditional death rituals, environmental concerns, and evolving religious and secular beliefs around death and the afterlife.

Are cremated remains safe to handle and keep at home?

Cremated remains are sterilized by the high temperatures during cremation and are thus safe to handle and keep at home in an urn or other container.

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